Most of us in the Ottawa area are suffering from
what is commonly known as Expo feet.

But this is no excuse to neglect them and there
is nothing more unsightly on the beach, or bare and peeking through sandals than
badly kept feet.

It is said that if your feet hurt you get
your mind off your other worries. This may be so but you had better check the
overall picture of those feet and forget, for the moment, your figure in your
new bathing suit.

To begin with are the toenails trim and freshly
enameled? Split nails, hangnails and chipped enamel certainly can get you off on
the wrong foot if you can forget the pun.

Your pedicure program to give it a more elegant
sound should also include removal of a callous. The common heel callous is the
worst offender to the eye. Start early because its removal takes several
treatments.

And then there were foot care "gimmicks"
at Expo 67. This one entitled: "Rest your tired feet, 10 cents."

SOAK FEET

Soak the feet in warm water. As it softens, rub
it with a pumice. After drying the feet, hold a cotton pad, soaked in
witchhazel, against the heels for a few minutes.

Podiatrists say good feet are chiefly a question
of good care.

You must keep your feet comfortable all the year
around. Some people change their shoes several times a day in the office. Suit
your shoes to the occasion. High heels belong at a party and low heels at a
picnic.

Make sure your shoes fit you. Feet can take
enormous punishment. Putting a size seven foot into a size six show can ruin
your feet. You won't be floating through life because you will become a
hobbler.

FOOT BATHS

Foot baths at the end of a hard day when you have
been standing a great deal is a real boon. The soft soapy water helps your feet
and thus can improve your disposition. Always dry the skin
thoroughly.

There is such a thing as protective care. Most
people use a body powder, so why not use a foot powder. This is a necessity if
your feet perspire.

If you care for your feet you won't need to use
abrasives on them. Massage them with cream or lotion at night.

If you follow these suggestions and still have
foot trouble you should see a podiatrist. He should be able to correct your
difficulty. Some people go as often to see him as they do their
dentist.

Comfortable feet can make you feel years younger
in spite of Expo and sightseeing.

- End of article. Copyright by The Ottawa
Journal, August 5, 1967. All rights reserved.